Oddfellows Members in Helston and Plymouth Share a Sunday Lunch

Two groups of Oddfellows members sat down for Sunday lunch on the same afternoon, one near Helston and the other in Plymouth. By the end of the meal, people at both tables were waving at faces on a screen.

One day, two lunches, one district

Members of the Oddfellows Friendly Society from Plymouth and East Cornwall met for lunch at Boringdon Golf Club in Plymouth. At the very same time, members from West Cornwall sat down to their own lunch at Wheal Dream near Helston.

The gatherings are a long-running tradition across the Plymouth and Truro District. They give members a relaxed setting to reconnect with old friends, meet new faces and share a bit of conversation over a roast.

The technology that linked the tables

This time there was an extra ingredient. Live messages, photographs and video greetings passed back and forth between the two venues, connecting people sitting at opposite ends of Cornwall and Devon.

Brenda from Plymouth coordinated the exchange.

“The idea was to bring the two gatherings together and make everyone feel part of one shared event. It was lovely to see members waving to one another, exchanging greetings and enjoying a few laughs. The technology worked brilliantly and helped create a real sense of connection across the district.”

Twenty years of Sunday roasts

The lunches are organised by Kathrine from Plymouth, who has run these gatherings for more than 20 years, and by Janice from Camborne, who started the West Cornwall lunches in 2025.

“The Sunday lunches have always been about bringing people together,” Kathrine said. “Over the years we’ve welcomed many new faces, shared countless laughs and formed some wonderful friendships. It’s incredibly rewarding to see members enjoying themselves and staying connected.”

Janice added: “When we introduced the lunches in West Cornwall, we hoped they would help members meet new people and enjoy time together in a friendly atmosphere. Seeing members from both ends of the district sharing messages and greetings during the day made it feel like one big Oddfellows family.”

The groups have eaten their way around a long list of venues across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, and they are always on the lookout for somewhere new doing a good Sunday roast. More lunches are already in the diary.

How to join the Oddfellows

The Plymouth and Truro District is part of one of the UK’s oldest friendly societies, open to people of all ages and backgrounds. Members across Redruth, Truro, Plymouth and the surrounding areas take part in friendship groups, lunches, trips, quizzes, talks, games and competitions.

Membership also brings:

• Welfare and care support, including a members’ advice line
• A dedicated travel club and organised holidays
• Chances to volunteer and fundraise for local, national and international causes
• The opportunity to build lasting friendships

For a free information pack and a diary of upcoming events, contact local Secretary Peter English by email at [email protected] or on 01209 200810. The Oddfellows Hall is at 49 Green Lane, Redruth, TR15 1LL. More on membership is at www.oddfellows.co.uk.